Friday Favourites: Five cleansers I rate

June 15, 2018

Just lately I’ve been asked by a number of people about cleansers. This is because said people know I am a cleansing obsessive, and – thank you, folks – it’s because they trust me to recommend decent products.

For today’s Faves I thought I’d offer a roundup of five cleansers I really rate after using them personally – with the caveat that everyone’s skin is different.

Before we get started: a word about double cleansing.

What is it? Exactly what you’d expect – cleansing your face twice instead of once, possibly with two different products. It also involves using warm water and a proper face cloth, as opposed to something vaguely wet that comes out of a packet.

b) Because it is an act of self care. It’s about showing yourself some love and – to paraphrase those old adverts – “you’re worth it”;

c) Because it genuinely takes no longer than pawing at your poor face with wipes until they (eventually) stop coming away orange;

d) Because it’s simply the best way to make sure your complexion is properly clean – and clean skin is healthier, clearer and more willing to absorb all the other lovely products you subsequently put on it.

Not convinced yet? Double cleanse religiously for one week and you will be…

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm, from £47

This cleanser isn’t cheap, but MY WORD it is lovely. I’ve been through two pots.

Ideal for a first or second cleanse, or both, it smells incredible and will remove every scrap of makeup from your face – including mascara – without drying.

That said, what I love about this product is how cleanly it rinses away. It manages to hydrate the skin without leaving an oily film behind, clarifying and balancing at the same time as imparting a gorgeous glow.

It’s available direct from Emma Hardie online, from Space NK and from the increasingly awesome M&S beauty hall.

Pixi + Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse, £24

If you’re new to double cleansing, this two-in-one product will get you started. On one side of the tub there’s a solid balm that removes all cosmetics and daily grime; on the other, a thick cleansing cream that you massage into the skin and then rinse away to reveal a perfectly clean, moisturised complexion.

One bugbear? I always find the cream cleanser runs out slightly before the balm.

This is a minor gripe, though, and may well just be down to my personal, over-enthusiastic use.

Bee Good Honey & Propolis 2-in-1 Cream Cleanser, £11.50

In total honesty, I’m not convinced this really qualifies as a “2-in-1” product; much of the exfoliation it claims to offer will be down to using a face cloth / muslin to remove it.

Nevertheless, it’s a truly lovely cleanser – ideal for use after a balm, to really comfort and restore the skin after your makeup and the day’s dirt and dead cells are no more. I wouldn’t use it as a first cleanse as I find it struggles with eye makeup.

This smells delightful and has a pleasingly rich texture – plus, for its quality, it is brilliantly affordable. Available online and from Waitrose.

Votary Rose Geranium and Apricot Cleansing Oil, £45

If you’ve ever suffered with spots, putting oil on your face might seem anathema. Please banish this notion from your brain forever: oils are excellent for ALL skin types and can have incredibly beneficial effects – it’s simply a matter of choosing the right ones.

This is an expensive product but it is so luxurious that you literally feel the value of every penny spent on it. The scent is out of this world, the dewy glow it leaves behind is heavenly and it is 100% non-drying.

If you’re not a fan of floral fragrances this might not be the oil for you – but Votary offer other options, too, including this recently-launched Rosemary and Oat Clarifying Cleansing oil. This is billed as the right choice for anyone with a troubled skin, and I can imagine it works a treat.

Elemis Superfood Facial Wash, £25

Foaming facial washes aren’t for everyone, and I don’t use them in the evenings as I prefer a more nourishing combo of oil / balm plus cream / milk. During an early morning shower, though, this is excellent: it smells green, bright and fresh and it leaves skin clean and ready to face the day.

This product is part of Elemis’s vegan collection – a handy addition to the range for those people who want nothing animal-derived in their skincare.

Available from Elemis counters nationwide. I bought mine from John Lewis.

The end! If you try any of this week’s favourites, let me know how you get on… And tune in next week!